I had a conversation this weekend regarding home values here in Las Vegas. There are 1.2 million bank owned properties here, and those of us who still own our homes are most likely "under water" by a good 10-50%. Not an inspiring situation for sure. Here's the comment that disturbed me: "At least I still have a job and can make my payments like everybody else. It must be nice to not HAVE to work." This was in reference to someone we both know who has all of the cash they'll ever need. Sure it sounds like it would be nice, but what would you do with unlimited resources and not have anywhere you had to be? Trust me, you'd like it for about 15 minutes. (Note: The folks I know who are happiest who have plenty of cash are those who also have plenty of goals.)
What got me to thinking is that this particular person will never experience abundance, true abundance, because (a) they can't picture having anything better for themselves and (b) they resent the heck out of anyone who does. Both of these factors are going to keep them right where they are, indefinitely.
If you truly want anything: a bigger business, financial abundance or independence, a fantastic relationship, or even more free time, you have to be happy for those who do have it first. When you can be happy for someone who has what you want, then you're on the right path to having it yourself. The nex time you see someone driving "your" car, bless them and wish them well. Feel good about seeing it. Then take a few minutes and picture yourself starring in the movie where you already have what you want.
Then, watch what happens next.
"Bless those who have what you want, so that you soon can have what you want, too." ~Honoree
How is Your Follow Up?
I received this email note from one of my readers. The names have been changed to protect the identity of the company and its founder. Please note that this CEO is confirming what I've said before: you must follow-up, follow-up, follow-up. Take this information to heart, and you may just prosper to greater heights sooner than you'd ever expect.
Hey Honoree!
Hope you're having a fantastic 2009! I just received your email after
getting off the phone with a person who wanted to know if I heard
about a local startup company (let's call them "XYZ Company"). I
thought you might be interested since it has to do with the power of
referral...
XYZ Company is a startup that approached me about 4 months ago. They
pitched their idea and I said, "Love it! Send me a formal proposal and
we'll go forward with it." Well, a week went by and I didn't hear back
from them. I followed up with a phone call and an e-mail. No
response. Another week went by and I attempted one last time to reach
them, no answer.
Uhhhhh, what's wrong with this picture? I'm the customer who WANTS TO
PAY and here I'm the one following up with THEM. They are wasting my
valuable time which leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.
I love start-ups!! But this year alone I've had three companies fail
to follow through on business that I am paying my dollars on.
THREE!!! Now, my company is growing even during a recession and I
attribute this success because we listen, follow up and deliver
outstanding quality in our work. I never expect our customers to
return calls or emails -- it's our job to follow up with them.
So next time someone asks you, "Honoree, how can I do better with my
business?" Ask them if they're following up with customers, proposals,
etc. It's amazing how many businesses fail to do this very simple
task. I'm also amazed how many come back a month or two later with
excuses. Excuses waste even more valuable time! In the words of
Nike, "Just Do It!"
LOL! OK, so enough ranting and raving. I just thought you might find this
info useful for your coaching and blog. Cheers to your success!
Your fan,
Kyle
***
Hey Honoree!
Hope you're having a fantastic 2009! I just received your email after
getting off the phone with a person who wanted to know if I heard
about a local startup company (let's call them "XYZ Company"). I
thought you might be interested since it has to do with the power of
referral...
XYZ Company is a startup that approached me about 4 months ago. They
pitched their idea and I said, "Love it! Send me a formal proposal and
we'll go forward with it." Well, a week went by and I didn't hear back
from them. I followed up with a phone call and an e-mail. No
response. Another week went by and I attempted one last time to reach
them, no answer.
Uhhhhh, what's wrong with this picture? I'm the customer who WANTS TO
PAY and here I'm the one following up with THEM. They are wasting my
valuable time which leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.
I love start-ups!! But this year alone I've had three companies fail
to follow through on business that I am paying my dollars on.
THREE!!! Now, my company is growing even during a recession and I
attribute this success because we listen, follow up and deliver
outstanding quality in our work. I never expect our customers to
return calls or emails -- it's our job to follow up with them.
So next time someone asks you, "Honoree, how can I do better with my
business?" Ask them if they're following up with customers, proposals,
etc. It's amazing how many businesses fail to do this very simple
task. I'm also amazed how many come back a month or two later with
excuses. Excuses waste even more valuable time! In the words of
Nike, "Just Do It!"
LOL! OK, so enough ranting and raving. I just thought you might find this
info useful for your coaching and blog. Cheers to your success!
Your fan,
Kyle
July is National Cellphone Courtesy Month
Jacqueline Whitmore wrote the following article, which she has graciously allowed me to share with you. Enjoy! ~Honoree
National Cellphone Courtesy Month is an event I founded in 2002 with the intent to encourage the increasingly unmindful corps of cellphone users to be more respectful of their surroundings by using some simple cellphone etiquette principles! Here are some tips you'll want to mention on the show:
1. Be all there. When you're in a meeting, performance, courtroom or other busy area, let calls go to voicemail to avoid a disruption. In some instances, turning your phone off may be the best solution.
2. Keep it private. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid discussing private or confidential information in public. You never know who may be in hearing range.
3. Keep your cool. Don't display anger during a public call. Conversations that are likely to be emotional should be held where they will not embarrass or intrude on others.
4. Learn to vibe. Use your wireless phone's silent or vibration settings in public places such as business meetings, religious services, schools, restaurants, theaters or sporting events so that you do not disrupt your surroundings.
5. Avoid "cell yell." Remember to use your regular conversational tone when speaking on your wireless phone. People tend to speak more loudly than normal and often don't recognize how distracting they can be to others.
6. Follow the rules. Some places, such as hospitals or airplanes, restrict or prohibit the use of mobile phones, so adhere to posted signs and instructions. Some jurisdictions may also restrict mobile phone use in public places.
7. Excuse yourself. If you are expecting a call that can't be postponed, alert your companions ahead of time and excuse yourself when the call comes in; the people you are with should take precedence over calls you want to make or receive.
8. Send a message. Use Text Messaging to send and receive messages without saying a single word.
9. Watch and listen discreetly. New multimedia applications such as streaming video and music are great ways to stay informed and access the latest entertainment. However, adjust the volume based on your surroundings in much the same way that you would adjust your ringer volume. Earphones are a great way to avoid distracting others in public areas.
10. Alert silently. When using your phone's walkie-talkie feature, send the person you're trying to reach a Call Alert before starting to speak. If you're around other people, turn off your phone's external speaker and use the vibration setting to minimize any disturbance and to respect your contact's privacy.
Jacqueline Whitmore has established herself as a prominent presence in the etiquette industry and is a frequent guest on television and radio talk shows. In addition to being the author of “Business Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work,” Jacqueline is the founder of National Cell Phone Courtesy Month and the founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach. You can learn more about Jacqueline by visiting her website at www.etiquetteexpert.com or following her at www.Twitter.com/etiquetteexpert, or www.Facebook.com/JacquelineWhitmore.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
National Cellphone Courtesy Month is an event I founded in 2002 with the intent to encourage the increasingly unmindful corps of cellphone users to be more respectful of their surroundings by using some simple cellphone etiquette principles! Here are some tips you'll want to mention on the show:
1. Be all there. When you're in a meeting, performance, courtroom or other busy area, let calls go to voicemail to avoid a disruption. In some instances, turning your phone off may be the best solution.
2. Keep it private. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid discussing private or confidential information in public. You never know who may be in hearing range.
3. Keep your cool. Don't display anger during a public call. Conversations that are likely to be emotional should be held where they will not embarrass or intrude on others.
4. Learn to vibe. Use your wireless phone's silent or vibration settings in public places such as business meetings, religious services, schools, restaurants, theaters or sporting events so that you do not disrupt your surroundings.
5. Avoid "cell yell." Remember to use your regular conversational tone when speaking on your wireless phone. People tend to speak more loudly than normal and often don't recognize how distracting they can be to others.
6. Follow the rules. Some places, such as hospitals or airplanes, restrict or prohibit the use of mobile phones, so adhere to posted signs and instructions. Some jurisdictions may also restrict mobile phone use in public places.
7. Excuse yourself. If you are expecting a call that can't be postponed, alert your companions ahead of time and excuse yourself when the call comes in; the people you are with should take precedence over calls you want to make or receive.
8. Send a message. Use Text Messaging to send and receive messages without saying a single word.
9. Watch and listen discreetly. New multimedia applications such as streaming video and music are great ways to stay informed and access the latest entertainment. However, adjust the volume based on your surroundings in much the same way that you would adjust your ringer volume. Earphones are a great way to avoid distracting others in public areas.
10. Alert silently. When using your phone's walkie-talkie feature, send the person you're trying to reach a Call Alert before starting to speak. If you're around other people, turn off your phone's external speaker and use the vibration setting to minimize any disturbance and to respect your contact's privacy.
Jacqueline Whitmore has established herself as a prominent presence in the etiquette industry and is a frequent guest on television and radio talk shows. In addition to being the author of “Business Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work,” Jacqueline is the founder of National Cell Phone Courtesy Month and the founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach. You can learn more about Jacqueline by visiting her website at www.etiquetteexpert.com
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